We stayed here over the weekend as comped guest. I have never been to this hotel (or the Sahara) so this was a new experience for us. Overall, there were some good and some so-so. We normally stay more central on the strip at Cosmo or Palazzo. I probably wouldn't stay here again unless it was comped and there were no other options.
Location/Vibe/Hotel: LIke I mentioned, its all the way at the end of the strip (past Circus Circus). Not really walking distance to anything. The only good thing about the location was that it was right across the street from Rocking Rio. Because you avoid the main strip, cab ride to/from airport will cost you about $20. I describe the vibe as a poor man's Cosmopolitan. It is on the hip/trendy side. Way smaller and more intimate. I like the fact that there are 2 entrances (front and back). We always used the back cuz there were no lines for cab...plus a quicker way to get out. The hotel's casino is pretty darn small. But with that said, fewer players so lower minimums. Most of the time I could find a table of blackjack for myself.
Checkin: Was on the tad slow. The front desk is not huge and the line always seemed long. You do need a hotel card to enter the elevator and they are pretty strict on that.
Rooms: There were about 6 or so elevators and wait time wasn't too long. But if it gets crowded, it could take a while to get to your top floor. Our room was 31520 (but on the 15th floor??? I don't get it) and was really close to the elevator. The room is tiny. So tiny that it cannot fit a rollaway bed due to it being a fire hazard. The room has a nice modern decor with ample lighting. The beds are doubles and not queens. Bathroom was decent. The sink was modern and very shallow. There was no tub but nice shower with good water pressure. My biggest issue with the room was that you can hear all kinds of music from downstairs...starting at 8am. I don't think it was only the concerts fault. Music was coming from the pool area I think. Very loud and noisy. Made it very difficult to sleep in. TV was massive and had good amount of channels. There was no coffee offered (a trend in vegas hotels) but a good size bar. Beds were comfy. There were ample plugs in the room to charge things. Wifi was spotty and not the fastest.
Amenities: Not a lot of restaurants to choose from. Only 1 diner option for breakfast. No buffet. The pool area was nice. We paid for a cabana at the Foxtail Pool. IT was not terribly crowded and a decent scene. There were 3 blackjack tables there as well. I didn't get a chance to check out the fitness area.
All in all, a 2nd tier cosmopolitan hotel. Good if you don't mind the distance and like smaller hotels.